Watch The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend

The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend, released in 1991, is a sports drama film directed by Frank C. Schroeder. The movie is about the early life of famous basketball player Pete Maravich, who is considered one of the best ball-handlers and scorers in the history of the sport. The movie is set in the 1950s in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, where the Maravich family moves to after patriarch Press Maravich accepts a job as the basketball coach at the local high school. The focus of the film is mainly on Pete, who is played by Adam Guier, as he grows up with a passion for basketball and a drive to become the best player he can be.

From a young age, Pete is shown to have a natural talent for basketball, but he is held back by his small stature and lack of physical strength. Nonetheless, his father Press (Nick Benedict) recognizes his son's potential and starts coaching him from an early age, lengthening his stride and teaching him various dribbling techniques. The relationship between Pete and Press is portrayed as rocky at times, with Press demanding a lot from his son in order to mold him into a great player.

At school, Pete faces the typical struggles of a teenager trying to fit in, compounded by the fact that he is constantly overshadowed by his father, who is adored by the townspeople for his success as a coach. In spite of this, Pete becomes a star player in his high school team, and they make it to the state championship finals. The pressure is on for Pete to deliver, but he is up against a much bigger and stronger opponent.

The basketball scenes in the movie are well done, showing Pete's quickness and agility on the court as he effortlessly dribbles past defenders and sinks shots from all angles. The iconic behind-the-back move that became a signature of his playing style is also included in the film.

The Pistol is not just about basketball, however. The film also touches on the emotional struggles of growing up, particularly the relationship between father and son. Pete's mother, played by Millie Perkins, is also given screen time, and her support of Pete is a source of comfort for him as he navigates the difficult waters of adolescence.

One of the major themes of the movie is the tension between Pete's individual goals and the pressure to conform to his father's expectations. At one point, Pete is scouted by a national team, offering him the opportunity to play at a higher level. However, his father is against the idea, believing that Pete needs to stay with the high school team to help them win the championship. The conflict that arises as Pete tries to assert his independence and follow his dreams provides a dramatic backdrop to the film.

Overall, The Pistol is a well-made sports movie, with solid performances by the cast and an engaging storyline. Fans of Pete Maravich will enjoy this early look at his life and career, while general audiences will appreciate the universal themes of family, ambition, and determination.